Source: Hiona collection - This chant honors
Hanakahi (deeds-done-in-unison), an ancient peace-loving chief who ruled
the Hilo district. Wehi, an adornment
is a sweetheart and Kanilehua (rain that sings upon the lehua) is the
name of the Hilo rain. The red ʻōhiʻa lehua is the symbol of the island
of Hawaiʻi. Mokuola or Island of Life, is in Hilo Bay. Legend
says, if one swam around Mokuola 3 times, health would be gained. Umbilical
cords of babies were deposited there to insure a healthy life. Puna was
famous for its hala (pandanus) and the natives of the area were skillful
weavers of the leaves. Translation by Kaiu
Kanoa